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York Region Housing Profile
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Tracking the supply of housing units and the development of residential areas is an important part of the Region's Growth Management Strategy. The housing supply information is evaluated against population projections and demographic statistics in order to identify future trends and issues that will be faced by York Region.
As of June 30, 2006 there were approximately 278,000 housing units in York Region. In June of 1981 there were approximately 76,800 housing units. This represents an approximate 362% increase in the Region's housing stock over the past twenty-five years. |
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York Region Occupied Households (1981-2006)
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Municipality |
Estimated Number of Occupied Households by Year |
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1981 |
1986 |
1991 |
1996 |
2001 |
2006 |
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Aurora |
5,145 |
6,640 |
9,375 |
11,125 |
12,995 |
15,488 |
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East Gwillimbury |
3,635 |
4,335 |
5,575 |
6,125 |
6,515 |
6,942 |
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Georgina |
6,755 |
7,690 |
10,465 |
11,980 |
13,780 |
15,401 |
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King |
4,570 |
4,935 |
5,745 |
5,935 |
6,055 |
6,552 |
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Markham |
22,735 |
33,355 |
43,655 |
49,270 |
60,670 |
78,007 |
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Newmarket |
9,035 |
10,685 |
14,185 |
18,160 |
21,300 |
24,596 |
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Richmond Hill |
12,205 |
15,070 |
25,550 |
31,425 |
41,345 |
52,991 |
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Vaughan |
8,430 |
17,570 |
29,860 |
36,860 |
52,955 |
69,436 |
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Whitchurch-Stouffville |
4,265 |
4,870 |
6,055 |
6,610 |
7,480 |
8,574 |
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York Region |
76,775 |
105,150 |
150,465 |
177,490 |
223,095 |
277,987 |
Source: York Region Planning and Development Services Department based on Statistics Canada data and CMHC Housing Completion data
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In addition to housing units that are built and occupied, there are also approximately 130,000 units in the "development pipeline". The units in the development pipeline are unbuilt units that are within a plan of subdivision; or potential units in areas that are approved for residential development, but currently have no development applications.
For more information, please see the
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Based on the new Provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Places to Grow, York Region will be home to 1,500,000 people by 2031. Using a standard 3.0 person per unit assumption this translates to a total requirement of 500,000 housing units by 2031. Therefore, the total housing supply will almost double over the next twenty-five years.
The Growth Plan has introduced new restrictions on where it is permissible to develop as well as minimum density targets for new developments. Development will not be permitted on the Oak Ridges Moraine, or on the Provincial Greenbelt. Where Greenfield development is permitted, a minimum average density target that is not less than 50 residents and jobs combined per hectare will be applied across the Region.
The Growth Plan has also addressed intensification targets. Intensification is the development of a property, site or area at a higher density than currently exists in areas where development is concentrated. The Regional Official Plan intensification target is for a minimum of 30% of the forecasted population increase to be located in these built-up areas. The Growth Plan stipulates that this target be increased to a minimum of 40% of all residential development by the year 2015.
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York Region Household Growth 1986, 2006, 2026
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Municipality |
1986 |
2006 |
1986-2006
% of Total Growth |
1986-2006 Growth
Rate1 |
2026 |
2006-2026
% of Total Growth |
2006-2026 Growth
Rate1 |
| Aurora |
6,650 |
15,500 |
5.6% |
4.3% |
26,700 |
6.2% |
2.8% |
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East Gwillimbury |
4,350 |
6,950 |
2.5% |
2.4% |
22,100 |
5.2% |
6.0% |
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Georgina |
7,700 |
15,400 |
5.5% |
3.5% |
27,500 |
6.4% |
2.9% |
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King |
4,950 |
6,550 |
2.4% |
1.4% |
12,800 |
3.0% |
3.4% |
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Markham |
33,350 |
78,000 |
28.1% |
4.3% |
110,800 |
25.8% |
1.8% |
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Newmarket |
10,700 |
24,600 |
8.8% |
4.3% |
34,500 |
8.0% |
1.7% |
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Richmond Hill |
15,100 |
53,000 |
19.1% |
6.5% |
75,300 |
17.6% |
1.8% |
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Vaughan |
17,550 |
69,450 |
25.0% |
7.2% |
103,600 |
24.2% |
2.0% |
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Whitchurch-Stouffville |
4,850 |
8,550 |
3.1% |
2.9% |
15,500 |
3.6% |
3.0% |
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York Region |
105,150 |
278,000 |
100.0% |
5.0% |
428,800 |
100.0% |
2.2% |
Source: 1986 and 2006 - York Region Planning and Development Services Department, based on Statistics Canada data.
2026 - York Region Planning and Development Services Deparment, Regional Official Plan Forecast
1. Average annual compound growth rate |
Although there has been growth in all nine of York Region's area municipalities, the majority of household growth since 1986 has occurred in the southern and central municipalities of Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Newmarket and Aurora. As illustrated in the table below, Vaughan and Richmond Hill have experienced average annual growth rates of 7.2% and 6.5% respectively, and Markham, Aurora and Newmarket have all experienced annual growth rates of 4.3%
Development in the Region will be constructed at more compact, transit supportive densities. In order to facilitate the transition to more compact development, Regional Council has approved Draft Regional Transit-Oriented Design (TOD) Guidelines. |
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The Regional TOD Guidelines are to be used as a tool to advance the understanding and implementation of existing Regional policies and programs that encourage transit-supportive, pedestrian-friendly and well-designed development. For more information, please see the York Region Transit Oriented Design Guidelines,
It is considered desirable for there to be a mix and range of different types, forms, sizes and tenures of housing in order to meet the housing needs of all residents of the Region. Single detached dwellings currently account for approximately 72% of York Region's housing stock. The remainder of the stock consists of semi-detached, row and apartment units. The Region actively promotes a more diverse housing mix. The proportion of single detached dwellings has decreased by 3% over the previous five years and by 9% over the previous twenty years.
It is anticipated that the 40% intensification target found in the Provincial Growth Plan will result in a greater mix of housing in the future. |
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York Region's Housing Composition, 1986, 2001, 2006
Source: York Region Planning and Development Services
Housing and Our Economy
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In November 2004 the "Housing and Our Economy, Remaining Competitive" report was adopted by Regional Council. The purpose of the report was to analyze how employment, labour force and housing are connected to the strength of York Region's economy. Key findings from this study include:
- York Region has the lowest live-work ratio in the Greater Toronto Area, meaning that in comparison to other Region's in the Greater Toronto Area proportionately more people leave York Region to work on a daily basis than in other Region's.
- The number of York Region residents employed in management, business, finance and administration and in social science, education, government and religion was significantly larger than the number of jobs available in the Region.
- The number of York Region jobs in manufacturing, processing, construction and various trade related occupations was significantly larger than the number of the Region's residents employed in these occupations. The housing situation in York Region, especially the availability of rental housing, is one of the reasons that people employed in these occupations in York Region live outside of the Region's borders.
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The report suggests that a better match between the skills of York Region's residents and the jobs available in the Region as well as between jobs and housing available for the Region's work force will increase the live work ratio.
An increased supply of affordable housing is necessary in order for York Region to support its resident labour force, workers and employers and therefore remain economically competitive and maintain a high quality of life.
For more information on the "Housing and Our Economy, Remaining Competitive" report, please click here.
Affordable Housing
There are a variety of types of affordable housing units that are currently found in York Region. These units can be social housing or lower cost private housing such as apartment, condominium and row units, or secondary suites.
Social Housing provides affordable housing for people whose income, age, social, or health needs prevent them from finding adequate housing in the private rental market. Many people who live in social housing pay a rent that is based on their income. Rent geared-to-income (RGI) is typically 30% of a household's total gross income. In York Region there are approximately 7,200 units of social housing.
Types of Social Housing include:
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| Both the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada withdrew their support for the development of social housing in 1995; since that time, no new social housing units have been built. For more information, please see Social Housing Information or Social Housing Listings
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In addition to social housing, York Region also subsidizes the stay of approximately 300 eligible residents of the 774 residents staying in domiciliary hostels and lodging homes. These hostels and lodging homes are for people that need supervision of their daily living activities. Without these hostels, it is likely that the majority of residents would be among the homeless.
To view a listing of domiciliary hostels and lodging houses in the Region, please click here.
The type and location of new housing can help determine its affordability. As can be seen in the housing growth section above, it is anticipated that there will be an increase in the number of apartment units constructed. All nine local municipalities in the region are anticipated to increase their supply of apartment units over time in response to the 40% intensification target found in the Provincial Growth Plan.
Secondary Suites are self-contained housing units created within and in addition to single-family, semi-detached or townhouse units. Policies in both the Provincial Growth Plan and the Regional Offical Plan support the creation of secondary suites. |
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Housing Strategy
Throughout 2000, York Region undertook a comprehensive study of the state of housing in the Region including:
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York Region's Homelessness Task Force Report
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The Housing Directions Study
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Special Needs Housing Study
Through the above studies it was concluded that the housing needs of the young, seniors, non-family households, lone parent households, and those in need of social and affordable housing are not being met today. With York Region expected to continue growing and diversifying both socially and economically, it is anticipated that these housing needs will intensify. As a result, York Region has developed a comprehensive Housing Supply Strategy. A partnership effort between the Planning and Community Services and Housing departments, the Strategy is designed to co-ordinate the efforts of all stakeholders including the general public, area municipalities, the business community, service providers, and others.
The three housing action areas that have been identified in the strategy are:
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Affordable Ownership
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Rental
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Non-Profit
For more information on the York Region Housing Supply Strategy, please click here. |
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